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Tag: Red Sea

Sounion

Sounion

Sounion
Photo: x.com

On August 21, the 274 meter long, 163,759 dwt oil tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145) caught fire in the Red Sea some 77 nautical miles off Hodeidah, Yeman. The Sounion was enroute to Iraq  with 150,000 tons of crude oil when it was approached by two small vessels off Yemen. The vessels approached the tanker within a few miles before they turned away after an exchange of small arms fire. Soon after the Sounion was struck by multiple projectiles resulting in explosions and fire on board the tanker. Reports state the engine room sustained material damage disabling the steering. The Sounion went adrift for a short time before the crew was later able to drop anchor.

Sounion
Photo: x.com

 

Conflicting reports state the crew of 25 on board the Sounion remained on board the tanker to assess damage.  However, there are reports that the crew had abandoned ship in the vessel’s lifeboat and was rescued by the nearby vessel. This same report stated the crew was later transported to Dijbouti.  No reports of the extent of damage caused by the projectiles on board the Sounion or if any oil pollution had been released.

The attack on the Sounion was not an isolated event.  The 190 meter long, 55989 dwt bulk carrier SW North Wind (IMO: 9514004) reported five explosions near the vessel while 57 miles off Aden. The explosions did not cause any damage and there were no reports of injuries. The bulk carrier was able to continue on its voyage.

Sounion

 

Taba

Taba

Taba
Photo: newsmaritime.com

The 117 meter long, 3133 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Taba capsized and sank in the Red Sea just outside the port of Safaga, Egypt. The Taba had just departed from Safaga bound for Dhiba with cargo of trucks when it suffered a cargo shift.  The 37 persons on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by Egyptian rescue boats. The Taba  capsized and sank. No reports of injuries.  Reports state the trucks on deck had not be properly secured which lead to the incident.

Costa Neoclassiaca

Costa Neoclassiaca

Costa Neoclassica

On December 23, the 220 meter long passenger cruise ship Costa Neoclassica caught fire while en route to Aqaba.  The blaze started in the vessel’s smokestack, but was quickly extinguished by the crew.  The vessel was able to continue under its own power to Aqaba.  An inspection in port found damage was limited to the external portion of the funnel.  No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Costa Neoclassiaca was able to leave port for a voyage to Mauritius.